One of the most uncomfortable situations a person can find themselves in is when they are unable to have a bowel movement. Though people might think of it as a trivial case, the discomfort it causes and the consequences of the same has quite a serious impact on our health. There are various foods that cause constipation, namely, dairy products, fried foods, red meat, frozen food, etc. These constipation-triggering foods are to be avoided.

Here are some of the foods that provide relief from constipation and can be included in the person’s daily diet.

• Legumes
  Legumes are known to be a rich source of fiber, and fiber helps maintain a healthy gut. Not only are legumes rich in fiber, it is loaded with proteins, vitamins, and minerals, all of which would aid in helping a proper bowel movement. So, include legumes such as beans, lentils, peas, etc. in your diet for constipation relief. A daily consumption of the same would help prevent constipation in future.

• Prunes
  Prunes or dried plums are what your dietician would advise you to add to your diet for constipation relief. Prunes are rich in fiber, and this fiber plays a major role in bulking the stool. One can even think of prunes as a natural laxative since it contains fructans, sorbitol, and fermentable sugar, which promotes a proper bowel movement. Prunes can be a great addition to your diet for constipation relief since it tasty as well.

• Kiwis
  Fruits are loaded with vitamins and other nutrients necessary to maintain a healthy gut, but the glitch is that they are quite high on the fructose content. So, here’s a fruit that is low in sugar, high in fiber and can relieve constipation- Kiwi. Deficiency of fiber is what mostly causes constipation, and by adding kiwi to your diet for constipation relief, one can prevent the recurrence of constipation.

• Broccoli
  Broccoli has been rated as one of the best foods that are the powerhouse of nutrients. Gym goers and health enthusiasts vouch for its effectiveness. What endears broccoli to people is that it aids the process of digestion. It is no secret that broccoli is high on its fiber content, and fiber is what ensures that people experience proper bowel movement. As one of the foods with high fiber content, it is advisable to add broccoli to your diet for constipation relief.

• Oatmeal
  Oatmeal is great if the person is trying to lose weight. In addition to aiding weight loss, oatmeal also helps in providing relief from constipation. Since oatmeal is nothing but whole grains, it is high in its fiber content. Fiber is what is responsible for absorbing water, softening stools and ensures that it passes smoothly through the intestines. Since oatmeal is rich in fiber, it would aid the entire process smoothly.

• Spinach
  Spinach is abundant in nutrients and fiber is one of them. In addition to fiber, spinach is high in magnesium which ensures a smooth bowel movement. Magnesium is an ingredient in laxatives, so instead of consuming laxatives daily, adding spinach to your diet for constipation relief would work wonders.

• Flaxseeds
  Flaxseeds are hailed as the new health food which can help battle obesity and hormonal imbalance with the same gusto. Include flaxseeds in your daily diet, and the high fiber content would ensure smooth bowel movement. You can either chew flaxseeds or sprinkle some in a smoothie, yogurt, and oatmeal or simply use it as a topping on your salad. Adding flaxseeds to your diet would prevent constipation in future.

• Berries
  Berries are rich in antioxidants and are great for the skin, hair, and the gut. In addition to antioxidants, berries are also rich in fiber and other nutrients. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc. almost every berry can help relieve the painful issue of constipation. You can add berries to your diet for constipation relief and can mix and match it with other food items like smoothies, oatmeal, and even your salads.

• Water
  Many times constipation is the result of not drinking enough water. Water ensures that your gut remains healthy. The main function of the colon is to reabsorb water and this facilitates easy bowel movement. If your body doesn’t have the required amount of water, the movement of the stool won’t be smooth. And, this, in turn, causes constipation. While adhering to a diet for constipation relief, it is essential to drink enough water to aid the digestive process.

• Aloe vera juice
  Aloe vera has been hailed for its medicinal properties, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise when it asserted that aloe vera juice helps keep constipation at bay. Aloe vera is used as an ingredient in laxatives, so a glass of aloe vera juice a day would prevent the occurrence of constipation by aiding a smooth bowel movement.